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About The Book

When Dan and his family go from middle class to homeless, issues of injustice rise to the forefront in this relatable, timely novel from Todd Strasser that VOYA calls “poignant,” “darkly humorous,” and “exceptionally thought-provoking.”

It seems like Dan has it all. He’s a baseball star who is part of the popular crowd and dates the hottest girl in school. Then his family loses their home.

Forced to move into the town’s Tent City, Dan feels his world shifting. His friends try to pretend that everything’s cool, but they’re not the ones living among the homeless. As Dan struggles to adjust to his new life, he gets involved with the people who are fighting for better conditions and services for the residents of Tent City. But someone wants Tent City gone, and will stop at nothing until it’s destroyed...

About The Author

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Todd Strasser has written many critically acclaimed novels for adults, teenagers, and children, including the award-winning Can’t Get There from Here, Give a Boy a Gun, Boot Camp, If I Grow Up, Famous, and How I Created My Perfect Prom Date, which became the Fox feature film Drive Me Crazy. Todd lives in a suburb of New York and speaks frequently at schools. Visit him at ToddStrasser.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2015)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442457225
  • Ages: 12 - 99

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Raves and Reviews

"Timely and important material."

– Booklist

"Clearly meant to inspire discussion about morality in the face of today’s social and economic problems, the book also delivers an authentic look at contemporary high-school society."

– Publishers Weekly

"Dan's experience with middle-class poverty is accessible and timely".

– Kirkus

"This compelling social commentary challenges stereotypes about homelessness from the perspective of a middle-class teen...Readers will be drawn into this contemporary story."

– SLJ

Awards and Honors

  • CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
  • Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)
  • MSTA Reading Circle List

Resources and Downloads

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More books from this author: Todd Strasser